Identity Development
Identity is defined as "an internalized process that involves multiple concepts (i.e., genetic, social, psychological) that are ever-changing and growing"(Winsor et al., 2018, p.93). Identity is who you are internally and it is developed by a mix of your genes and the experiences you go through. There are many theories in regards to identity but this section will focus on Erik Erikson's "Eight Ages of Man" theory.
Erikson's Eight Ages of Man
Erik Erikson was an American psychoanalyst who worked with Anna Freud (Sigmund Freud's daughter") to develop his identity theory. This theory was called "The Eight Ages of Man". This theory focused on cultural aspects of development and on one's response to crises that may be faced throughout their lifetime. This theory consists of 8 stages which include "Basic Trust vs Mistrust", "Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt", "Initiative vs. Guilt", "Industry vs. Inferiority", "Identity vs. Role Confusion", "Intimacy vs. Isolation", "Generativity vs. Stagnation", and "Ego Integrity vs. Despair".
Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
Basic Trust vs. Mistrust is stage 1 of Kohlberg's theory and it lasts from birth until about 18 months. During this stage, the infant is completely dependent on it's caregiver for everything it needs. Success of this stage results in the infant gaining a general trust for others and gaining the virtues of hope and drive because its caregiver properly met its needs. Failure of this stage results in a lack of trust for others and withdrawal due to the caregiver neglecting the child.
Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
Stage 2, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, lasts from about 18 months to 3 years old. This stage centers around the toddler gaining a sense of self-control and independence from its parents/caregivers. Success of this stage results in self-control, self-esteem, autonomy, and willpower. Failure of this stage can result in a lack of self-control or over-control, self-doubt, a lack independence, and they can also suffer from a compulsive pathology in the future.
Initiative vs. Guilt
Stage 3, Initiative vs. Guilt, lasts from about 3 to 5 years-old. In this stage, children's initiative to do things independently increases. Success of this stage results in the child gaining a sense of purpose and direction from completing tasks independently and getting approval from parents. Failure of this stage can come from a lack of approval from parents and can result in feelings of guilt and inhibition in competing future tasks.
Industry vs. Inferiority
Industry vs. Inferiority, the 4th stage of Kohlberg's theory, lasts from about 6 to 12 years-old. This stage consists of the child being competent and successful in learning new information and gaining new skills. Success of this stage results in the virtues of method and confidence. Failure of this stage can result in feelings of inferiority and a future pathology of inhibition.
Identity vs. Role Confusion
The 5th stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, lasts from about 12 to 18 years-old. This is the stage where puberty takes place and adolescence begins. With these bodily changes comes the urge to develop a sense of identity. These individuals start fresh, separated from childhood, in search for who they are. Success of this stage results in virtues of devotion and commitment to an identity. Failure of this stage results in a lack of a unique identity, a pathology of abandonment, and possible failure to choose a career in the future.
Intimacy vs Isolation
Intimacy vs. Isolation begins at about 18 years-old and ends at around 35. During this stage, a young adult is focused on finding an intimate partner and achieving relationship satisfaction. Success of this stage results in virtues of affiliation and love. Failure results in a lack of companionship and isolation.
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Generativity vs. Stagnation, stage 7, lasts from about 35 to 55/65 years-old. During this stage an individual must decide whether to contribute to the success of the next generation or focus on thoughts of death and decline. Success of this stage results in a productive and caring individual. Failure results in dissatisfaction in these individuals due to to a lack of productivity and contribution to society.
Ego Integrity vs. Despair
The final stage of Kohlberg's theory, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, lasts from 55/65 until death. The focus in this stage is reflection and acceptance of the life that the individual has lived. Success results in feelings of satisfaction with life that they have lived and feelings of wisdom. Failure results in dissatisfaction with ones life and fear of death.
Self-Connection
I feel like I am in between stages right now. Im 20 years-old but I still feel like I am partially in the "Identity vs Role Confusion" stage. I have an identity but there are times where I feel like I am trying to understand certain aspects of who I am as if my identity isn't fully developed. The other stage is the "Intimacy vs. Isolation" stage, because I am actively using a relationship with a peer.
Application to Nursing
I plan to be an obstetrics focused nurse as I have mentioned, but I have to learn how to care for patients of all ages, not just babies. It is important that I have some idea of what stage of life my patients and even my colleagues may be in so that I can better understand and relate to them.